Gardeners' Notes:

I've planted about twenty of these here just northeast of Dallas. They are very slow growing until the weather warms up. They like good-drainage, and don't seem to like clay very much. The ones I planted in planters with good potting soil are doing much better than the ones in the ground. However, only the summer will tell for sure.

This is a very beautiful hibiscus. The flowers are as big as small dinner plates. People keep asking me "What kind of flower is that?" as it is not a common plant grown in Michigan. It overwinters just fine and provides flowers from the end of July through to September if you give it some bloom booster before it flowers. Just remember not to overwater as the leaves will turn yellow and the buds will fall off. It prefers a drier spot and likes the heat.

This is a real show-stopper in New York. People don't expect to see hibiscus here. My first year with this plant, I was shocked at how long it remained dormant. It stays asleep even longer than Rose of Sharon. Mine did not show signs of life until June 1st. Then it just shot up. It is worth the wait!